I already have Dallas ML at the earlier week line on a parlay, Dallas
is fresher, healthier, at home and carries lots of swagger this year.
So I do like them today. On to tonight's game...
The KC weather is expected freezing rain, although unsure how much of a factor
it will be. Expect a full stadium, despite the weather, with the kickoff move.
Rain/Snow is expected to taper off, but the field will be damp as precipitation
is over 90% all night long.
Bell will run a lot. He was intentionally rested by Tomlin, no practice Wednesday
then light treatment... after torching the Dolphins for 167. He's 100%.
Ben is not 100%, but we know Ben won't be hampered unless they really
get to him physically. The only way Steelers would put this on Ben and his receivers
is if they fall behind by 2 scores.
KC ranks 26th against the rush. KC also has a poor 3rd down conversion
percentile, basically tied with New Orleans at 43.2%. They are unlikely
to win the game without stopping Pitt on 3d. KC ranks near the bottom
on Sacks. Ben should have time to throw, but KC excels on Interceptions,
tied for 1st in the league. Both teams are middling on Pass yard defense,
and on Rush yard defense, advantage Pitt, but still middling. This could
suggest higher scoring, however the weather may deter that, and defenses
have a way of upping the ante in the playoffs, Arrowhead is not an easy
place to win.
KC is a balanced offense without favorite approaches.
No stars dominate.
Andy Reid is an ultimate adapter and adjuster.
He creates new insights during the game, and his players are cool-headed
executioners, if not super-talented.
KC is less vulnerable to relying on individual stars.
That is the weakness of Pittsburgh tonight, they will need great performances.
KC doesn't need that. KC is better on special teams. Higher field goal %,
number 1 in punt return yardage, near the top in kickoff ret.
KC is number 1 in takeaways and interceptions.
I now favor the Chiefs to win this game, after more consideration.
The last solid team Pittsburgh faced on the road was Baltimore,
and they lost that game 14-21. Bell played and had 14 carries for 21 yds.
Since then, their road wins are all against cupcakes.
Cleveland. Indy. Buffalo. Cincy. Before that, they lost at Miami, at Philly.
It looks like a lot of talking heads are more enthralled with the Steeler
star names than in capping a football game.
If Pitt goes in and wins, congrats to them. But I'll fade it.